Laparoscopic vesico-vaginal fistula repair: our experience and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with laparoscopic transperitoneal vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) repair and we review current literature.

METHODS

Four patients with VVF underwent transperitoneal transvesical laparoscopic repair, with the same principles of open abdominal approach. We considered: operation time, complications, hospital stay, Foley catheter duration, and recurrence during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 103 minutes and no complications were recorded. Average length of hospital stay was 3 days, Foley catheter remained indwelling on an average of 8 days. All patients were cured, after a mean of 14.5 months no recurrence was recorded and no patient referred urinary symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our and literature data, we believe that laparoscopic VVF repair is feasible, safe and effective and it is a viable alternative to the traditional open procedure.